The Foodbank Players [1] give a Hollywood twist to the beloved Shakespearean classic, Much Ado About Nothing. Leonata is reimagined as a Hollywood mogul who welcomes celebrities returning from a film shoot while avoiding paparazzi and influencers. Don Pedro and his posse are entertained by the locals including Leonata’s daughter, Hero, and niece, Beatrice. The festivities result in some unexpected romance as Claudio is besotted with Hero.
[2]Meanwhile Leonata’s niece begins an ongoing verbal sparring match with Benedick, a self-proclaimed bachelor. Their friends decide to prank them into believing each has fallen in love with the other. Don Pedro’s half sister, Dawn Juan, is truly up to no good, plotting to break up the power couple of Claudio and Hero by hiring knaves to impersonate Hero and make Claudio believe she has been unfaithful.
The security team, headed by Dogberry, overhears the plot and seeks to set things right. Hero’s public shaming has sent her into hiding as her family fakes her death. Beatrice and Benedick are sparring and sparking in equal measure, and everyone’s happiness hangs in the balance.
Will Dogberry reveal Dawn Juan’s plot in time? Will Claudio believe Hero’s innocence? Will Beatrice and Benedick admit their true feelings?
[3]The Foodbank Players’ production of Much Ado About Nothing is peppered with fun, modern references, and pops of California music. The contemporary setting allows contemporary costuming and flexibility to sets and props as well. The quips of modern language fit neatly with the plot and provide many extra laughs. Characters sneaking and hiding across the set to eavesdrop on conversations is funny, no matter what century it is. The revamped approach makes the show not only fresh, but more accessible to wider, and younger audiences as it contains many modern, pop culture references.
The cast leans into the humor from both the original Shakespearean script as well as the new, modern additions. Jennifer Morrill as Dogberry leads the way with the sharp turns of her entrances and her drill sergeant commands to the security crew. Hannah Landau adds dollops of fun with each appearance as the Reporter in increasingly over-the-top looks. And those who love a clever quip need look no further than Darrah Jones as Beatrice, whose silver tongue delivers line after line with laser execution to parry any volley sent her way with the smartest of retorts. If it’s physical comedy you want, Cory Kahane as Benedick waltzes and trips and slides and collides his way around the stage producing more than a few belly laughs from the audience.
[4]Much Ado About Nothing is more than just laughs—it has tender moments and heart too. Kelsey Goeres as Hero and Matt Hess as Claudio give their love story earnestness and bright-eyed optimism. And a quick shout out to Fran Kahane whose performance as Ursula gives depth to scenes that could have been merely transitional.
The biggest problem with Much Ado About Nothing as performed by the Foodbank Players is that you only have two chances left to see it. Illness in the cast canceled the first weekend of shows, and now only March 20 and 21 performances remain, at 7 p.m., inside the new Alameda Food Bank facility at 677 West Ranger Avenue. Tours of the new facility were offered after curtain on the night I attended.
[5]Admission is free. Concessions are available, and donations are heartily encouraged to not only express your delight with the show but also to help make possible the good work of the staff and volunteers at the Food Bank.
If you haven’t yet seen a Foodbank Players performance, this weekend would be a great time to enjoy a fun show and support a good cause.
For more information, visit the FoodBank Players [7] website.
Kelly Rogers Flynt contributes reviews of theatrical productions and feature articles to the Alameda Post. Reach her via [email protected] [8]. Her writing is collected at AlamedaPost.com/Kelly-Rogers-Flynt [9].